We have had another wonderful week of Camp. Many of our chanichim (campers) venturing beyond the gates of 70 Darom Lane on yitziot (field trips), bringing their Camp ruach (spirit) out in the world—staying overnight in Asheville, Alabama, and at a campsite near Helen! We also celebrated Yom Yisrael, had a spirited all-camp shira (singing), and, of course, the Kochavim production of “Encanto”! Please scroll down to watch this week’s video highlighting so many magical moments.
Yesterday, we welcomed Garinim chanichim to our kehillah (community), and we’re excited to celebrate Shabbat together. Tonight, after Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv, we’ll gather in the Chadar Ochel (Dining Hall) to continue our beloved traditions—reciting Kiddush and brachot, including the blessing over the challah.
This week’s parsha, Shelach, talks about the mitzvah of taking challah:
רֵאשִׁית֙ עֲרִסֹ֣תֵכֶ֔ם חַלָּ֖ה תָּרִ֣ימוּ תְרוּמָ֑ה כִּתְרוּמַ֣ת גֹּ֔רֶן כֵּ֖ן תָּרִ֥ימוּ אֹתָֽהּ
“As the first yield of your baking, you shall set aside a loaf as a gift; you shall set it aside as a gift like the gift from the threshing floor.” (Bamidbar 15:20)
When we make challah for Shabbat, part of it is set aside. We set aside a portion and say a bracha to thank G-d—a way of acknowledging where our sustenance comes from and giving back from our resheit, our very first and best.
At Camp, we can ask: How do we give our first and best each day? How do we show gratitude for the incredible gift of being at Ramah Darom—surrounded by nature, friendship, and a supportive kehillah (community)?
This Shabbat, we are offering our “first and best” to everyone who helps make Camp possible—parents, friends, and staff (behind the scenes, in the kitchen, in the bunks, on the fields, in the MARP, and everywhere in between). We’re grateful to share this experience together.
And to you—todah rabah (thank you) for sharing your very best with us: your chanichim.